Working Together for a Better Community

Newsletter For the parishes of Staple Fitzpaine, , and with Thurlbear

Issue 29 - Autumn 2018 Scary crows, Poldark and a real skeleton mystery The Hubble Neroche Bubble, Crows Scarecrow in Trouble, Festival above, earned 2018 had it first place for Jacky all - read all Kolkowski, about it centre right inside.

Welcome to the Neroche Villages’ Newsletter, a quarterly publication delivered free to every household in Neroche Parish, helping the community to stay connected and up-to-date on local issues. The 2018 Scarecrow Festival By Mal Lee The advertising for the Scarecrow Festival 2018 started in February with an advert for Scary Crows. Despite various different adverts it was a slow start and on the Tuesday before there were only four confirmed entries. But interest and momentum picked up during the week and by Friday 18 crows were promised. Maps were printed, voting papers and voting box put in place, the weather was set fair – what could go wrong? On Saturday morning the scarecrows were all in place, people on bikes, some in cars and others walking stopped to chat and discuss the merits, the diversity and the fun of the designs. This sense of Festival went on for the whole week in July. Teas were provided in church on the first weekend and mid-week en route at Woodcott. But sadly one of the scarecrows was stolen. It was a fine skeleton and was obviously too tempting for some rascal to resist. Revd Christabel Ager has reminded us of the the importance of saying thank you and so I would like to say thank you to: 2 Ÿ St Peter’s Fundraising group for all their hard work, commitment and brilliant ideas. Ÿ To everyone who helped with printing, painting and bashing signs into hard ground. Ÿ To everyone who entered and helped with scarecrow design. There were some scary crows, silly crows, less is more crows and works of art crows – in fact something for everyone. Ÿ Thank you to Alison Brown and all who helped with and provided teas and all those who took the opportunity to enjoy tea. Ÿ Thank you to all the people who went on scarecrow trails: they seemed to be having a lot of fun. Ÿ Thank you to Jacky Kolkowski and everyone who helped with the barbecue on Sunday. Ÿ Thank you to all those who came to enjoy the barbecue and braved the elements. It was clear from talking to people that the Scarecrow Festival is a great community event. People from other villages in the Benefice, , Bath and Devon have said how much they enjoyed it. There were 18 entries, 89 voting papers and the winners were: 1: Hubble Bubble Crows in Trouble 2: The Grim Reaper 3: The Sniper Many congratulations to the winners and everyone involved – it was a great festival.

3 4 Charity Bike Ride By Wally Torrington

Tom Pope, a fully-fledged resident of Staple Fitzpaine, who lives with parents Julie and Mark Pope of Staple Farm, recently undertook a massive challenge together with two friends, Josh Fincham and Ben Druitt, to raise money for St Margaret’s Hospice and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.

The aim was to cycle the 245 miles from Weston-Super-Mare pier to Blackpool pier in 24 hours. They completed the gruelling task in just over 20 hours - leaving Weston at 6.15am and arriving at Blackpool Pier at 2.30am.

All three completed the arduous undertaking with no injuries and nursed their aches and pains with a few beers at the Young Farmers’ Annual Convention in Blackpool the weekend following the bike ride.

The trio came up with the idea and planned the Weston to Blackpool project themselves and completed two months’ intensive training before the event. Other young farmers from around the UK made similar individual efforts to cycle, walk and drive vintage tractors from their homes to the Annual Convention with approximately £50,000 raised between them all, so far.

If you would like to support local lad Tom and his two friends in raising money for these two most worthwhile causes, then any contributions would be greatly appreciated, and would reward them for all the planning, training and physical endurance that enabled them to successfully complete the challenge. To donate, go to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Pier2pier24

5 Auditors put ‘the writing on the wall’

By County Councillor John Thorne

The hot topic of the moment for the county council as I write this article is ‘money’, as I am sure it is for many of you. It certainly is in my household, where, because of falling income from my part-time Tesco job, I have taken on an extra job working night shifts to clean a large warehouse and office site in Exeter.

Will the council ‘go bust’ in the next year or two, as our auditors have warned is possible if the financial position is not turned around? The answer is ‘No’. I hope I am not sounding too much like a football club manager telling a press conference that he has the chairman’s full support ….

The reason for my answer, is that the auditors' comments in their report to the audit committee, on which I sit, were based on last year’s set of accounts and what could happen if we carried on without making any changes. In the same report, the auditors included comments which noted the council was putting in place many changes to address the issue.

However, BBC News, which filmed the audit committee meeting and sent along its reporter wanted headline-making material. I am not complaining, as I have been a journalist for 40-odd years, so I know how it works. The reporter and I trained together on the Wellington Weekly News, and he has been a personal friend since our school days.

So, I know he was just doing his job, reporting as a matter of fact that Somerset, like lots of councils up and down the country, faces financial challenges. 6 continued on next page My point was the auditors were in effect putting the writing on the wall for us, but we were already doing something about it. The senior leadership team at County Hall now meets every week with only one item on the agenda - Financial Imperative– or, how to make ends meet as we go forward.

Every employee, from top to bottom of the authority, is being encouraged to buy into this way of thinking, so that together we will turn it around. It does mean, however, some really tough decisions will be coming the way of councillors.

We are legally-bound to provide a certain range of services, but outside of those, everything has to be looked at in terms of matching service provision to income.

One of our committee members had a statement read out for him at the meeting, as he was away on holiday and could not say it for himself. He used a line I have previously heard from our opposition members, that the financial difficulties are because Conservatives froze Council Tax for six years. Had we put up Council Tax every year, we would now have another £29 million to spend and all our problems would be over, was his view!

I responded that I would like to see him on his return from holiday go and knock on the front doors of hard-working people in his division and tell them that he wanted to add £70 or £80 a year to their Council Tax bills to raise £29 million.

Because of my new job, I was a little weary when I spoke, as I had worked all night and grabbed just about an hour’s sleep before going to the meeting. I now realise I got my sums wrong – he needs to knock on the doors of people struggling to pay their mortgages or rent and bills and tell them he wants to add on average nearly £150 a year to their Council Tax bills. I am confident of the response I would get from people in our Blackdown and Neroche division if I was to do that!

Contact Cllr Thorne: 01823 663146, 07811 675262 [email protected]

7 The lovely Vivary Park

Taunton Deane update Cllr John Williams, member for Neroche Ward and council leader Borough Green Flag awards for parks I appreciate this is not specifically a Neroche Ward issue but five of ’s lovely parks and open spaces have been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as some of the very best in the world.

They are among a record-breaking number that have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Awards and Green Flag Community Awards nationally, the mark of a quality park or green space, and I am sure at some time we all enjoy their beauty locally, both long established Heritage Parks.

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Taunton’s Vivary and Victoria Parks and French Weir Recreation Ground have been awarded Green Flags along with Wellington Park, 8 which also receives a Green Flag Heritage Award, while Swains Lane Nature Reserve in Wellington gains a Community Green Flag.

We know how much our parks and green spaces matter to our residents and visitors across the Deane so we are delighted to have secured these awards for 2018/19. They are testament to the dedication of staff and the wonderful volunteers who put so much effort into maintaining our parks and open spaces to such a high standard.

It really is an achievement to retain them year on year despite the financial challenge the authority faces. Importantly, we recognise the enormous contribution our green spaces make to the environment we live in.

Formation of a single council for Taunton Deane and West Somerset I reported on this in the last newsletter and I am pleased to say the Shadow Council came into being when the Structural Change Order, confirming the creation of the new, single council, was approved by Parliament on 29 May 2018 and ratified by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Its role is to ensure the safe transition from the two existing councils to the new council next April. Elections for the new council are due to take place in May 2019. The Shadow Council consists of all 84 members of the two existing councils and is an entity in its own right. It will monitor the delivery of the Implementation Plan drawn up to make sure that a legal, safe and functioning authority comes into being in April 2019 when we will see a reduction in the number of councillors being elected reduced 59, all part of the plans to reduce the cost of running the new authority.

The Boundary Commission has progressed its work to establish a revised warding pattern for the new council and its proposals have been published for consultation until 27 August. For further information or to respond to the consultation go to https://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/south-west/somerset/taunton- deane 9 The ceremony to name Taunton’s new road Trenchard Way

Photo: Somerset County Gazette Trenchard Way On 14 June I attended the official opening and renaming of Trenchard Way. The Northern Inner Distributor Road was named after Viscount Trenchard who was a remarkable man who helped change the course of Britain’s 20th century history as the founder of the Royal Air Force 100 years ago. It was appropriate that he is now being remembered in Taunton, the town of his birth. His grandson Lord Hugh Trenchard was guest of honour and unveiled a new memorial to his grandfather. The event was attended by dignitaries and representatives from the Royal Air Force, Royal Air Force Association, Royal British Legion and other members of the Armed Forces community, along with cadets from 41F (Taunton and District) Squadron Devon and Somerset Wing ATC. A fitting tribute for a great man and a great honour to have the new road named in his memory. Refurbishment of the Great Western Hotel, Taunton New owners, YMCA Coast, are about to start work on refurbishment of the above after securing a loan from the council. This hotel, which is intrinsically linked to the station, has remained empty for years, inevitably deteriorating, so these proposals not only provide much needed facilities but will also vastly improve the visual impact for the travelling public. 10 News from Neroche Parish Council By Gillian Midworth, clerk

Sale of Crown Estate land As many of you are no doubt aware, the Crown Estate is in the process of selling its remaining land in the parish of approximately 3,400 acres. The land is available as either one lot or nine smaller lots. There will also be some smaller parcels (paddocks) offered separately and these are likely to be sold at auction. Apparently, most of land is being sold with vacant possession but there will be some land and properties offered for sale with ongoing tenancies. The Parish Council has been assured that the rights of these tenants will be unaffected by the proposed sale. Somerset West and Taunton Council – new electoral arrangements Following the creation of the new district council, Somerset West and Taunton Council, which comes into effect in May 2019, the Local Government Boundary commission has recently carried out an electoral review. The villages of Neroche together with , and currently form Neroche ward. Under the proposed arrangements, the ward will be renamed Hatch and Blackdown, and Stoke St Mary parish will leave the ward to be replaced by the parishes of and . The consultation ends on 27 August 2018. See John Williams’ article on Page 7 for how to respond. Deane House – new opening hours Following the opening of a new ‘Customer Hub’ (Reception Area), the offices will now be open to the public daily 8.30am – 5.00pm except

11 continued on next page Wednesday when it opens 9.30am – 5.00pm.

A358 Upgrade For those parishioners interested in keeping up to date with the proposed improvements to the A358, you may be interested to learn that Highways produces a regular newsletter on its website.

The July issue confirms that the announcement of the preferred route is likely to be in the autumn. The preferred route announcement (PRA) will be marked by the publication of a PRA brochure, which will outline the decision that has been made and a further public consultation will take place following the announcement. Rest assured that the Parish Council will take a full and active role in responding to the consultation and parishioners will have the opportunity to express their views.

The newsletter also contains information regarding the various surveys that Highways England will be carrying out and other items of interest. The newsletter can be found under the media and documents tab of the A358 Taunton-Southfields project.

Neroche Hall Quiz with fish and chips

Friday October 19

Buy beer/wine on night or BYO

Maximum of six to a team

£2.50 per person entry (food extra)

Doors open 7.00pm for prompt start at 7.15pm.

Advance Booking essential on 01823 480286

email [email protected]

12 Fresh start for Greyhound Inn By Alan Hyde

“We want to put the Greyhound back on the community map” say its new managers, Jan-Willem and Veronique van Schagen.

Jan, as he prefers to be known, and Veronique took over the running of the Greyhound Inn in Staple Fitzpaine in early August and have exciting plans for the future.

They moved to Somerset from the Netherlands, with three of their four sons (the eldest is completing his studies in Holland), after looking at various hospitality options around the world and choosing to run what Veronique describes as “the quintessentially unique English country pub.”

Both have experience in hospitality. Jan has been a bar manager in his native Holland and Veronique has trained and worked in bistros and hotels in Cape Town, South Africa.

13 continued on next page “We’ve been overwhelmed by the kind and friendly welcome we’ve received. It’s very heartening and heart-warming”, they said.

“Our first priority is to rebuild trade and restore reputation.

“Then, with the backing of landlords Hall & Woodhouse, we plan to undertake some refurbishment, including creating new bedrooms, extending the south-facing garden at the side and making the interior brighter, whilst retaining the essential character of this fantastic country pub.”

They have already recruited chef Herman Topuzoglu, who has returned to the Greyhound from the award-winning Flavours restaurant in Wellington.

The new Greyhound menu specialises in fresh, seasonal produce and offers a good range of vegetarian and vegan options. It’s still under development and Jan and Veronique would welcome feedback from customers.

“We really want to succeed,” they say. “Ultimately a country pub will only flourish if the community also want to it to. We look forward to welcoming both old and new customers.”

If the buzz in the busy pub on their first day - a Quiz Night - is anything to go by they’ve certainly started out on the right foot.

Please note that the Greyhound now has a new telephone number for reservations – 01823 480900 – although the old number is still in use. A new website is also planned. 14 How safe Is your private water supply? By Somerset Scientific Services Having a private water supply can be a real boon. Cheaper than mains water, control over chemical additives and often with better pressure, a private supply is also not subject to imposed drought restrictions. Many farms, businesses and homes rely on a private supply either through preference or practicality. Indeed, the South West has around a third of all private supplies in England. The quality of private water supplies, however, can be variable. It’s vital to ensure the safety of your supply for yourself, your guests, livestock or customers. In fact, it’s a legal requirement if you run a commercial activity where you supply water to your customers, such as a campsite, B&B or rental property. Owners can help safeguard their supplies by protecting from contamination by livestock and other hazards, installing treatment apparatus, and making sure the water is stored and distributed safely before use. Private water supplies often pose a health risk because they are not managed or tested in the same way as public supplies. Common problems include bacteria, heavy metals such as iron, manganese, aluminium, lead and arsenic, as well as nitrates, nitrites, ammonia and other minerals. The best way to be sure your supply is fit for use is to have regular testing carried out. Professional testing should include metals resulting from deteriorating pipework and chemical levels from disinfection products. Microbiological testing will identify health hazards such as E.coli. It is highly recommended that a laboratory accredited by the Accreditation Service (UKAS) is used rather than internet testing kits which are unreliable and often give misleading results. Somerset Scientific Services, part of , has been supplying impartial advice and testing for over 50 years. Find out more at www.somersetscientificservices.co.uk or call 01823 355906.

15 Ne Hurrah! Neroche Film Nights return

September 28 - Walk Like a Panther A group of 1980s wrestlers are forced to don the lycra once last time when their beloved local pub is threatened with closure.

October 26 - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society A writer forms an unexpected bond with the residents of Guernsey Island in the aftermath of World War II, when she decides to write a book about their experiences during the war.

November 30 - The Hatton Garden Job In April 2015, the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Company, an underground safe deposit facility in London's Hatton Garden, was burgled by four elderly men. The total stolen may have a value of up to £200 million, the incident has been called the "largest burglary in English history.”

All films are at Neroche Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Bar and snacks. Tickets £6 on the door or in advance from Karen Learoyd on 01823 480886

16 News from Neroche Hall By Richard Davies, chairman

Since the last edition of the Newsletter the trustees have held their Annual General Meeting, which as always reflected upon the previous 12 months in the life of the hall.

In my report I reflected upon the excellent work of my fellow trustees who not only support me as chairman but more importantly our wonderful hall. I am sure that many in our community who come to the various events during the course of a year are impressed with the hall and the professional manner in which they are presented.

The ‘behind the scenes’ team consists of the committee plus a few core people who include spouses and friends of the hall.

I would emphasise that the hall is totally dependent upon volunteers in order to continue and flourish as a community resource. I have often tried through the newsletter to encourage people within our community to join our committee with little past success. Whether this is apathy or a reticence to commit oneself on a regular basis I am unsure, so it is with great pleasure that I can announce that we have now been joined by Karen Learoyd, who moved to Bickenhall last autumn.

Karen, pictured left, has now taken over the supervision of our Film Nights and will be working with Moviola to bring us our next selection of films during the autumn and winter months. See Page 16 for details of the latest choices, and keep an eye out for the monthly selections on our website and hall noticeboard.

17 continued on next page Some of you may be aware that we had a long-running problem with one of our Hitachi air conditioning units, which became defective at the beginning of this year.

Despite much correspondence between ourselves and our supplier/maintenance contractor little seemed to happen. However they have now agreed to provide a completely new unit in order to resolve the impasse and we are now up and running.

Given the recent heatwave this came at just the right time. It illustrates the varied nature of problems undertaken and solved by the Trustees when it comes to the maintenance of a Grade II listed building.

As we approach the autumn and winter months you may like to pencil in a couple of events in your diary. Firstly we have our ever popular Fish and Chip Quiz Night, which will be held on the 19 October (bookings from 17 September).

On 10 November we are planning a Murder Mystery Evening with an opportunity to enjoy a meal while a murder unfolds before your very eyes. Entitled “Who Killed the Director” you will be able to test your investigative powers and skill. A new venture for the hall, it will, I hope, prove very popular venture.

Finally, following the success of last year’s event we have decided once again to celebrate the New Year 2019 with a party and details of how to obtain tickets will be circulated in a month or so. (See last year’s write up in Issue 27 Spring 2018 of the Newsletter).

Finally, can I just remind everyone that Diana will soon by contacting 100 Club members for their annual subscription. For those of you who are new to the community the 100 Club costs £15 and entitles you to entry into our monthly draw, which consists of two cash prizes.

All proceeds go towards the prizes with the residue used towards the upkeep and maintenance of the hall. You can buy as many numbers as you like. 18 Canal mania in our parishes

By Jane Hole, Neroche Local History Group

While researching a totally different subject at the SW Heritage Trust I requested a document that was a large map about 2ft high and 5ft long. Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be a beautifully surveyed and executed map of a proposed canal coming through Bickenhall, Curland and Staple Fitzpaine.

It shows that our part of Somerset, along with much of the country, was gripped with canal fever - albeit it was in 1794!

Our parishes were to be part of the Tone River to Axmouth Canal meandering north to south from near Church to the Nags Head and Ash Farm and through West Hatch. It was to cross

19 continued on next page Gruggery Lane (presumably Grughay Lane near Park Farm) near to Sterm’s Hill on Cold Road. From here it passed through Staple Fitzpaine parish into Curland to go south near Wheaty Farm (likely to be Whitty) to Abbey Hill. From here it would wend its way through Broadway enroute to its destination near Seaton.

The map is accompanied by a book in meticulous copperplate that references the landowners and occupiers who would have to be compensated for the use of their land. Needless to say there are some familiar local names such as Mr Grabham (in West Hatch), and the Hon E Portman Esq as owners, with Robert Cozens and Samuel Yard as occupiers of land in Bickenhall.

The canal mania gripping the country reached its peak between 1789 and 1797. Many of the schemes were speculative and came to nothing and this was presumably the fate of our canal. The better known Taunton to Chard Canal unfortunately opened much later in 1842, just as railways were taking over, and lasted a mere 25 years.

Information about the canal that could have changed the look of our villages forever awaits further research.

If this story whets your appetite to get involved in local history research please contact me: [email protected]

The entrance to the Ilminster Tunnel on the short-lived Taunton to Chard Canal.

20 Pets Reunited

By Wally Torrington

During the period since the Summer Newsletter was distributed, the Email Alert has been involved with five further cases of pets being lost/found - mostly with a happy conclusion.

Boris the Cat On June 11 I received the following email from Anna Stewart of Perry Hall Farm: “My much-loved cat Boris hasn't been home for two days and we're really worried as it’s most unlike him. He's black and white and very friendly, comes to the call of his name. Usually hunts across to Curland, Bickenhall and Whitty Cottages, but could be anywhere.”

An alert went out; then, the next day, Anna made contact to report: “Just to say Boris finally turned up. Thin but otherwise in one piece; wondering if he got shut in somewhere. Thanks for your help.”

Staple Fitzpaine Manor Cat On June 22 Heather Dunn of Staple Fitzpaine Manor requested an alert about her missing cat: “Lost – an elderly black neutered cat, last seen Monday June 18. He is micro-chipped and doesn’t look particularly old.”

While in the process of producing the alert, I received another message from Heather: “Would you believe it, said cat has just been found having taken up residence in neighbour’s garden, happily sleeping in a bush and killing small birds etc all week . Thank you and

21 continued on next page sorry – hope you haven’t acted on it yet! Horrible cat! However a great relief to see him again.”

Escaped sheep On June 20 I received another email from Anna at Perry Hall Farm: After the successful return of Boris I thought I'd ask you to alert the village to help find my lost ewe and lamb. The escapees did a runner last night. I've walked Curland and towards Mark Pope with no sightings so far. Any help gratefully received.”

Bertie the cat On July 9 Rebecca George of Winterwell emailed: “I adopted Bertie, an 11-year-old ginger tom, and he escaped! If he is in the area, it’s likely to be around Badger Street or Netherclay, I would think.” An alert was put out, and when, a couple of weeks later, I enquired as to whether Bertie had been found, Rebecca wrote: “Sort of! I have been leaving food out and it has been disappearing. We have now established that it is Bertie. He comes in at night and eats but goes somewhere else during the day. I’m hoping that over time he will gradually spend more time in the house. The good thing is that he is alive and hasn’t tried to get back to his old home.”

Parakeet spotted in Staple Fitzpaine - presumed lost I was contacted by Candy Janes of Staple Fitzpaine who had spotted a bright yellow parakeet flying in the general area of the Manor gardens. An alert was posted but the owner has not yet been in touch.

If you have lost a treasured pet or farm animal, do not hesitate to request that an Email Alert is sent out. Over the years I’ve had success in finding the likes of cats, dogs (one a valuable ‘sniffer’ dog), horses, sheep, cattle, and even a falcon. Just email me at [email protected] and I will act on it as soon as I can.

22 Neroche MP’s briefing

By Rebecca Pow, MP

Ancient and Veteran Trees Ancient and veteran trees are as precious as the rainforest. These living monuments have evolved over centuries into our richest, most biodiverse land habitats, home to hundreds of species of insects, mammals, birds, fungi, mosses and lichens, and we have some right on our doorstop in the Neroche Forest and Thurlbear Wood – together with many individual specimens spotted across the globe.

However, sadly there is only 3% of this habitat left, owing to development threats, which is why it is so imperative to look after what remains.

So, I am delighted that my campaign for better protection of this habitat has paid off and the Government has announced that new planning rules will give ancient and veteran trees the highest possible protection from development, as part of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) – putting them on a par with the best of our built environment.

This is something I have worked tirelessly on, in conjunction with the Woodland Trust in my capacity as chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Ancient Woodland and it’s good to see that this has paid off.

Speech and Language Debate At the beginning of July, I was proud to hold a Westminster Hall Debate on the importance of speech, language and communications support for our children. Nationally, 10% of children have a speech disorder. Many arrive at nursery and primary school with a below 23 continued on next page expected standard of communication skill and this can have a serious impact on the future life chances of thousands of children.

I called the debate to highlight how crucial it is to ensure children reach the correct level of speech and language skill before starting nursery and school. Sixty per cent of young offenders have unidentified language problems, and adults with these difficulties are twice as likely to be unemployed.

I called on the Government to implement a strategy, with speech and language at its core, as well as advice for parents and increased training for nursery and primary school practitioners. This really is a serious issue and one that many local nurseries and primary schools have to tackle. The more we can do to help, the better.

Jake Berry visit I was very pleased to welcome Jake Berry MP, Minister for Local Growth, to the constituency recently to celebrate Great British High Streets Week. We were very lucky to be able to showcase our outstanding and diverse Farmers’ Market that takes place every Thursday on Taunton High Street, where we tried our hand at making ice-cream rolls!

Following the market, we met a range of local representatives, from councillors to business owners, where we discussed ideas for the future of Taunton, including our recent ‘Garden Town’ status and plans for Firepool.

The Minister expressed his delight at everything Taunton has to offer and offered advice on how we might build a sound future for the town centre, urging that all the stakeholders from the cricket ground to the 24 arts sector, theatre, wildlife organisations and retailers work together to create a Taunton ‘story’ or identity for the future.

Combine Harvester Driving As ever I get out and about as much as possible meeting people and sharing views and inevitably get roped into a wide range of activities. This is how I found myself at the wheel of local farmer, Richard Payne’s huge combine recently during a catch up on the harvest.

It really brought home to me how high-tech our agricultural industry is and how important innovation and technology are to our farmers in order to provide the food we depend upon.

This is a time of change for the sector with leaving the Common Agricultural policy being a cornerstone of our Brexit plan. I am pleased that the Prime Minster has confirmed her commitment to a post- Brexit farming policy which works for farmers and food producers, whilst improving the environment.

I am really engaged in this work as a Parliamentary Private Secretary in the DEFRA department.

I hope that this update has given you a small taster of some of the things I have been involved in recently. As ever, do get in touch if you have any particular issues you’d like to raise or indeed views to share.

All the best Rebecca

Facebook: fb.com/rebeccapow | Twitter: @pow_rebecca

25 News from Taunton Racecourse By Wally Torrington

Even though racing doesn’t start again until October, there’s lots going on at Taunton Racecourse, which is great news for the residents of Neroche, because it is all happening within our parish. Taunton Racecourse boasts excellent facilities for conferences, meetings, parties and events. It is also the perfect venue for your wedding reception or your office, club or family Christmas party; but make sure you book early so as not to be disappointed (more details on next page).

Membership If you have ever considered joining the racecourse as a member, to enjoy all the wonderful facilities of the newly extended and refurbished members stand, but, for whatever reason, hesitated; well here is a fantastic offer to ‘give it a try’ at half price (£85) for the remainder of 2016. This membership offer also includes free entry to meetings at Bath, Exeter, Chepstow, Cheltenham and others.

Members and their guests, together with owners and trainers, have exclusive use of the Members’ Restaurants in the Paddock Stand, and the Members’ Car Park. Wearing their badges, members enjoy free entry to Taunton Racecourse and to numerous reciprocal racecourses shown on the opposite page.

Half Year Membership, for the remainder of 2018, is available now for just £85. Full membership facilities and privileges apply.

Apply for half-year membership at the Racecourse Office: 01823 337172 or [email protected] The membership application form can be found at www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk

26 Reciprocal Racecourse Meetings and Dates (Free entry when wearing Taunton Membership Badge)

September – Bath, Wednesday 5th; Newcastle, Friday 7th; Worcester, Monday 17th; Great Yarmouth, Tuesday 18th; Plumpton, Sunday 23rd.

October – Southwell, Tuesday 2nd; Exeter, Thursday 11th; Ludlow, Thursday 25th.

November - Sedgefield, Thursday 8th; Hexham, Friday 9th;Sandown, Sunday 11th; Kempton, Monday 12th; Cheltenham, Sunday 18th; Fakenham, Tuesday 20th. December - Leicester, Sunday 2nd; Chepstow, Saturday 8th; Musselburgh, Monday 10th; Newbury, Wednesday 19th.

Race meetings for 2018: October 31, November 15 and 29, December 13 and 30.

Arabian Racing Saturday, 8 September. For full details go to https://www.aroracing.co.uk/ or call: 01635 524445

Crystal and Ice Christmas Party On December 7, 8, 14 and 15, the Racecourse function room will be transformed into an icy wonderland to get Christmas off to a truly memorable start.

The price includes a glass of prosecco on arrival, four course dinner, a bottle of wine for every five guests, disco and two free tickets to the race meeting of your choice for the organiser.

For more information on Christmas parties go to http://www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk To book call 01823 337172 option 2 and talk to Troy or Ryan. A £15 per person, non-refundable deposit required on booking, and final payment due one week before the event. 27 continued on next page 28 Simple Minds and The Pretenders in Concert With Very Special Guest KT Tunstall Taunton Racecourse September 2

The event will start at 6pm with gates opening at 4pm. There are various admission tickets and packages available: Golden Circle - £60 Premium view adjacent to the stage Silver - £45 Enhanced viewing next to the Golden Circle Bronze - £37.50 Positioned immediately behind the Silver enclosure Portman Hospitality Package - £62.50: Includes exclusive use of the Portman Stand, fantastic views of the stage, bar and private facilities.

Paddock Hospitality Package - £82.50 Includes exclusive use of the Paddock Stand, a drink on arrival, a two-course hot buffet, amazing views of the stage from our terrace viewing, private facilities and a guaranteed seat.

Orchard Hospitality Package - £117.50 Includes free car parking in our designated gold parking car park*, glass of Prosecco on arrival, reserved terracing overlooking the stage, private facilities, a three- course dinner and a bottle of house wine to enjoy with your dinner.. All packages include Bronze admission, however, If you wish to upgrade to Silver or Gold Circle admission, please contact the office 01823 337172.

*one car pass for every four packages purchased. 29 Farming Update By Daniel Macey

Today, as I write (July 29), is the first day of proper rain since the Spring. We spent Friday through to 4am on Saturday silaging, picking up grass trying to beat the rain which seems ironic as we have had two months of hot dry weather. Although it was our third cut of grass there was very little there due to the hot dry weather. The weather has been record breaking and causing major problems with fires and from a farming perspective it has meant very little crop growth. Some farming businesses will not survive as they have not made enough winter forage and are already feeding what they have made.

The Spring started very wet which delayed spring cultivations. We had to wait for everything to dry out before we could start but once it started to dry up it never rained again and we have only had about 20mm of rain in total since drilling the maize in the first week of May until today when we have had a very welcome 20mm in 24 hours.

The drought has not only affected us here in the UK, most of Europe is suffering as well. I spoke to a feed supplier who tells me that livestock feed warehouses are running short of supply in Europe because the rivers used to transport the feed are so low they can no longer move the barges around carrying the feed.

Here on our own farm many of the cattle grazing in the fields have been struggling to find shade in the heat of the day and grass growth has been so poor we have been having to supplement feed.

Cattle which we have inside, including the milking herd, have been faring a lot better as they are in the shade and have large fans to keep them cool.

We have known now for the last six months that our landlord, the Crown Estate, wishes to sell the estate. The For Sale signs have gone up and by the time you read this we might have found out who has bought some of it. If anyone has a spare £31 million it could be yours... 30 Neroche Hall MURDER MYSTERY EVENING November 10 2018 7pm for 7.30pm WHO KILLED THE DIRECTOR? Come and solve this dastardly crime. Tickets on sale now £10.00 to include light supper Book early to avoid disappointment Nicky 01823 480675 or Sheila 480758

31 Forestry Commission Update

By Rob Greenhalgh and Jon Burgess

The timber harvesting programme this year includes Buckland Wood (entrance opposite the Merry Harriers) which poses interesting challenges being on the spring line and a water collection site for Wessex to fill up the reservoirs, meaning we have to be even more careful than normal in avoiding muddy water runoff from the forest.

Muddy water running off from land is a sign that something has gone badly wrong as it is here that most of the downstream flooding and pollution will be caused. But, also, this water is taking away most of the nutrients from the forest soil that are so vital to a healthy forest and allow us to establish the next crop of trees without any artificial fertilisers.

It is a matter of pride for us that the forest estate contributes so much to keeping a supply of clean water, with the whole forest acting as a giant filter. The entrance gateway will be closed for a number of weeks while works continue.

We will then move around the hill to complete the thinning work at plantation. This is a job that was postponed last year when the wet summer paused the work, and never allowed us to get the machines back into the wood, so another reason we are keeping our fingers crossed for a long dry summer.

Back in May we held a Wild Family Day on the monument with the support of AONB, Somerset Council, Neroche Woodlanders and Zing Somerset.

The event saw well over 100 visitors attend to take part in a series of wild activities including bug hotel making with bow saws and brace 32 drills and dragon making. We also staged an event in partnership with the Blackdowns AONB and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) searching for nightjars within the Neroche Landscape.

The guided walk, staged at North Down and led by experts from the BTO Rob Grimmond and Eve Tigwell, was the start of what we hope will be a more thorough survey in 2019 encompassing the Castle itself, Staple Common and Staple Hill.

We heard at least seven active males with the potential of three breeding pairs on-site. A good group of around 30 locals attended and helped keep watch over a very atmospheric twilight landscape.

And finally, for those passing the monument on foot, do stop off to have a look at the north facing side. The wild flowers and grass seed we planted last year has had an amazing impact on the site changing it into a haven of foxglove, yellow rattle and meadow grass.

♪♪♪ Parisian Swing to Peggy Lee ♪♪♪ with The Kate Daniels’ Quartet A rip-roaring musical feast that crosses continents from Russian folk and Hot Club of France to Great American Songbook and South American Tangos

September 22 at Neroche Hall 8pm-10pm Tickets £10 in advance, £12.50 on the door. To reserve call 07791310014

Get a table of friends together, bring a bottle of wine and enjoy ‘A classy concert of song-cherishing internationalism’ The Guardian

33 News from Bickenhall and District WI

by Jacqueline Kolkowski

Our May meeting included the annual meeting when the annual report was given and I am delighted to say that Tricia Dryden was re-elected as our president.

In June Rosemary Grabham kindly invited us to her home and very bee-friendly garden. We were treated to a fascinating and informative talk on bees and beekeeping by Simon Jones, a regional bee inspector.

A worrying aspect of Simon’s talk was the sighting of the Asian Hornet in Britain, and it has been seen in Devon. They are a highly aggressive predator of native insects and pose a significant threat to honey bees and other pollinators. Sightings of these insects must be reported to [email protected]

Simon has sent us an identification poster so if anyone would like a copy please contact me or Tricia Dryden and we will forward it to you. Or visit www.nonnativespecies.org for further information.

The competition was a bee quiz set by Simon and won by Candy Janes. Her prize was a wonderful bee home/sanctuary made by Mike Grabham.

The July meeting was a presentation by personal stylist Celia Guppy, who gave an interesting talk on dressing for your body shape which provoked an interesting question and answer session. Our president thought it would be a good idea to wear a glamorous hat - but there is 34 always someone who does not read the brief...

Events We had the pleasure of running a café during the Flower and Music Festival and many old friends met and new ones were made, as scrummy cakes and cream teas were consumed. There was a wonderful atmosphere within the church and around the café during the festival and we are now running a POP UP CAFÉ every Friday in St Peter’s Church 10am -noon. Come along, we’d love to see you.

Members attended the outdoor performance by the Taunton Thespians of Two Gentleman of Verona at Dillington House.

Walking Netball, helping the WI get a wiggle on! We are two months into our training with the support of Netball England South West Regional Office. The session is tailored to all abilities to provide exercise but most of all friendship and fun. Three of our members have now attended a one-day walking netball host course in Bridgwater, to enable them to run the sessions.

Somerset Federation events The County Quiz was held in July at many venues in Somerset with us hosting at the Hatch Inn Hatch. Pauline Phelps, our quizmaster, ensured all ran smoothly. We entered two teams but alas, neither team won to proceed to the final.

Bickenhall and District WI usually meets the second Wednesday of each month. We have a full programme of speakers and events and would be delighted to welcome new members to our meetings Please contact Tricia Dryden at [email protected]

35 The Bickenhall Owl Box By Wally Torrington

In April 2012, the Somerset Wildlife Trust, in collaboration with the Hawk and Owl Trust, launched the Somerset Community Barn Owl Project. The aim was to get a barn owl nest box in each of Somerset’s 335 parishes by 2014 - up to 80 per cent of barn owls nest in man-made boxes!

We were delighted to report in the November 2012 issue of this Newsletter that Neroche had immediately ‘stepped up to the plate’, and that all four of our parishes were having a box installed.

Following a Herculean effort by the two trusts, the 335 target was achieved. As a measure of the project’s positive affect upon the barn owl population in the UK, it was reported in the 2015 Barn Owl census ‘State Of The UK Barn Owl Population 2015’ that the only areas where mean brood size was above normal were West Cornwall and Somerset!

We are delighted to report that this spring/summer the Bickenhall box, for the third time in the six years during which it has been in place, attracted a breeding pair of barn owls. The parents can be seen each evening when they venture out to go hunting.

If you wish to find out more about the project, become involved, report a sighting, buy or even learn how to make your own box, go to www.somersetwildlife.org/barnowl Afternote: A few days after this article was submitted the Bickenhall owl box was visited by wildlife experts from Highways England, carrying out an Environmental Impact Assessment for the A358 Improvement Scheme. They inspected the box and took this photograph of two mature chicks (owlets) inside.

36 Plods with Dogs - rebranding a very local business By Fay Mackenzie

We love dogs! Small ones, big ones, posh ones, scruffy ones, lazy ones and crazy ones!

We also love horses! Thelwells to thoroughbreds, cobs to Clydesdales, Welshies to warmbloods!

Plods with Dogs offers a professional dog walking, pet sitting and horse care service to clients in the Taunton and Neroche area.

Formerly Fay's Pet Care, the business has had a refreshing new name and rebranding.

Established in 2012, Plods with Dogs is fully insured, experienced with many breeds of dogs and different animals, qualified in canine first aid and foundation level canine behaviour.

Fay has been a Neroche resident for many years and is offering a house sitting service exclusively to this parish, where she and her dog Cleo will stay in your home with your pets while you are away on holiday, to give you peace of mind that your precious family members are well cared for in their own environment, avoiding the use of kennels.

For more information or if you would like to meet Fay, please call 07738274909, or visit the website www.plodswithdogs.co.uk

37 Join the new editorial team

We’re delighted that there has been a positive response to our invitation to the community to pick up responsibility for compiling, editing and designing this quarterly newsletter, which helps to keep Neroche residents connected and updated. Three members of the community have kindly stepped forward, but places remain open to other volunteers who wish to put themselves forward. If you’re interested, please get in touch with the current editorial team at [email protected]. A full handover will be arranged in plenty of time for the new team to take over for the Spring 2019 edition.

Jacq & Mark Wanstall and Alan & Sarah Hyde

School Holidays New school year starts on 3 September 2018 Half-term is 27 October to 4 November 2018

Household Recycling & Refuse Collections The only change to the normal collection cycle is that Recycling & Refuse (grey bins) is on 30 August to account for the Bank Holiday To check collection dates go to: http://www2.tauntondeane.gov.uk/asp/webpages/waste/pdf/RefuseWe dnesdayB.pdf

38 Events for your calendar (Venue is Neroche Hall unless stated)

September 2018

2 - Simple Minds & Pretenders with KT Tunstall at Taunton Racecourse 5 - Quiz Night, The Greyhound 6 - Thursday Lunch Club 12 - Women’s Institute, 7.30pm 13 - Neroche Parish Council meeting, 7.30pm 22 - Music concert - Parisian Swing to Peggy Lee, 8pm 28 - Film Night: Walk like a Panther

October 2018

4 - Quiz Night, The Greyhound 19 - Fish & Chips Quiz Night 26 - Film Night: The Guernsey & Literary Potato Peel Pie Society

November 2018

7 - Quiz Night, The Greyhound 10 - Murder Mystery Evening 30 - Film Night: The Hatton Garden Job

For latest updates visit www.nerochevillages.org.uk/events-calendar

39 Local Communication and Information Websites: Neroche Villages www.nerochevillages.org.uk Community website run by the Neroche Communication Action Group. It has an up-to-date calendar of events; a news section; information about residents’ action groups, including broadband, traffic; a business section and advertisements. The website features a comprehensive list of clubs and organisations, including details of those in neighbouring parishes. It is also the website of Neroche Parish Council and lists its activities, agenda, minutes and reports.

Neroche Hall www.nerochehall.org.uk A new-look website which lists the coming events, facilities and availability for hire of our village hall, and has an online booking form.

Church of England Seven Sowers Benefice www.sevensowers.org.uk Has a calendar of events and church service times for Staple Fitzpaine and Orchard Portman churches, as well as other churches in the benefice.

Email Information:

The Neroche Communication Action Group runs an Email Alert System for sending information to those wishing to receive it. Please contact WallyTorrington at [email protected] if you would like to be included.

The Parish Magazine: Full information on benefice matters, a great source of news, coming events and general information, and details of many local businesses and services. For new subscriptions phone Kate Reynolds on 01823 444023.

Many thanks for taking the time to read this Newsletter. The views expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily represent those of the editor or the Neroche Communication Action Group. Publication of an advertisement in, or with, the newsletter does not imply the Action Group’s approval of the goods or services.

Newsletter coordinator: Jacq Wanstall - [email protected]

Editor: Alan Hyde; Designer: Sarah Hyde; Treasurer: Mark Wanstall Official Photographers: David and Madeleine Spears [email protected]

Printed by Parish Magazine Printing - 01288 341617